SCIL-Image for image processing development

Overview

The project addresses the development and implementation of a machine independent environment for development and use of image processing software.

SCIL-Image is a multi-layered, interactive, portable, expandable and reconfigurable package for development of image processing tasks. The basis of the system is an extensive image processing library in use and under development at many laboratories. The library enforces strict image class separation, and takes care of actions common to all image classes. Through the use of an abstraction mechanism based on function overloading, the infrastructure allows image sub-classing and the definition of new image classes, which automatically inherit the consistent behavior of the total environment.

The interactive environment offers the user access to the functionality of a library on multiple levels. At the first level, functions from a library can be called from within the interpreter by typing ordinary C-function calls and pressing the return key. Functions can also be executed through a command expander. At this level the user can abbreviate function names, disregard the proper C-syntax, ask for parameters and rely on a mechanism that supplies default values for parameters that were left out. After the user presses the return key, the command is expanded into a legal C-statement and executed. At the third level functions can be picked from a menu, resulting in a dialogue box. The user can alter the parameters of the function in this dialogue box and execute the function by pressing the Do-It button. The fourth level consists of a visual programming interface combining the user-friendliness of the menu and dialogue approach with programming capabilities. The interface gives a layman the opportunity to develop powerful image processing applications in a two-dimensional, data flow metaphor.

All user interface layers are generated from a command description file allowing for easy extension of the environment with new functionality. All levels can also be used simultaneously making the environment reponsive to different types of users.

The screen dump gives an impression of the Macintosh version of SCIL-Image with several interface layers: A generated menu bar, dialog box, three images, a run-editor containing a C program, a history window, and a worksheet showing C statements and commands.

The screen dump gives an impression of the visual programming interface.





SCIL-Image is a commercial product designed and supported by the CBP, which stands for the centre of image processing and pattern recognition. The partners are:

People

References

Sponsors

SCIL-Image is made available as a commercial product through the Center for Image processing and Pattern Recognition with financial aid of STW (project AWI92-1691).